Decibel Deflector
Decibel Deflector
Madison, WI
Madison, WI
The owners of this residential property along a bustling city street had a dilemma: How do you create a comfortable front yard environment when you face a 4-lane street with traffic noise consistently above 70 decibels? Although the backyard was recently improved with landscaping, deck, and grill station, the front street-facing patio still had a certain pull--a place of prospect-refuge and an amenity that the homeowners wanted to embrace despite the steady stream of traffic.
Bernau Design took a holistic approach to the design, including sketch exploration of both architectural and site materials. The result introduces a new visual connection to the street rather than barricading the entry patio. Bernau Design recognized that the answer needed to be both beautiful and functional, so the solution incorporates a creative composition of weathering steel planter boxes, earthen fill, lighting, and planting. These materials absorb and reflect sound while creating distinctive curb appeal, harmonious with the architecture.
The owners of this residential property along a bustling city street had a dilemma: How do you create a comfortable front yard environment when you face a 4-lane street with traffic noise consistently above 70 decibels? Although the backyard was recently improved with landscaping, deck, and grill station, the front street-facing patio still had a certain pull--a place of prospect-refuge and an amenity that the homeowners wanted to embrace despite the steady stream of traffic.
Bernau Design took a holistic approach to the design, including sketch exploration of both architectural and site materials. The result introduces a new visual connection to the street rather than barricading the entry patio. Bernau Design recognized that the answer needed to be both beautiful and functional, so the solution incorporates a creative composition of weathering steel planter boxes, earthen fill, lighting, and planting. These materials absorb and reflect sound while creating distinctive curb appeal, harmonious with the architecture.
Design Concept
Design Concept
The porch--a transitional space between one's private realm and the public streetscape-- became the metaphor for this porch-less design. Bernau Design worked with the client to establish a permeable edge and a place to do life in connection with neighbors but buffered from the automobile.
The porch--a transitional space between one's private realm and the public streetscape-- became the metaphor for this porch-less design. Bernau Design worked with the client to establish a permeable edge and a place to do life in connection with neighbors but buffered from the automobile.
